Global aviation representative group the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has criticised Heathrow Airport over its infrastructure policy and back-up policies after a fire at an energy substation wiped out power at London’s largest airport and brought about a complete closure of the airport on Friday.
IATA has also questioned why individual airlines are being left to carry the cost of passenger compensation.
IATA Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “Today’s closing of Heathrow will inconvenience a huge number of travellers. We thank those affected for their patience as airlines focus on getting them to their destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“This is yet another case of Heathrow letting down both travellers and airlines. And that begs some serious questions. Firstly, how is it that critical infrastructure—of national and global importance—is totally dependent on a single power source without an alternative. If that is the case—as it seems—then it is a clear planning failure by the airport. And, from that arises the question of who bears the costs of taking care of disrupted travellers. We must find a fairer allocation of passenger care costs than airlines alone picking up the tab when infrastructure fails. Until that happens, Heathrow has very little incentive to improve.”
